Kratos Aurion (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
simulsimul) wrote2016-11-02 07:40 pm
simulsimul) wrote2016-11-02 07:40 pm
a thing; w/ ruinsprofessor & conductingresistance
canon
breached
confessed
dadly
future
grigori
mercenary
MEover
origin
reversal
titans
scenario list
canon: Kratos needs to stop running off
confessed: wing reflex
confessed: actual wingpull
confessed: turning Renegade
confessed: son meets father
dadliness: confrontation
dadliness: awakening
dadliness: illness
dadliness: a fundamental lack of understanding on the word 'abducted'
dadliness: updating parameters
dadliness: assassination assignation
mercenary: hiding in the library
mercenary: aftermath of librarian saviour
reversal: oracle destroyed
titans: storming the tower
titans: safety in the canyon
titans: night horrors
canon
- combo of Kratos and Zelos ending
- Zelos does the stupid thing, but not so far as his death, and is still the eighth member of the party to Derris-Kharlan.
scenarios
scenario one: Yuan tracks Kratos down at Dirk's.
breached
- canon right up until after Botta’s death
- no one uses Yuan’s name around Mithos so Mithos walks right into the Triet base with them
- cue an epic OH SHIT in which Yuan gets a lil bit beat up while covering the evacuation of the rest of the base
- until Kratos appears to intervene and have the Chosen group get Yuan out of there
- Mithos gets Kratos tho and he’s a bit mad cos, yanno, traitor and all
- time to be locked up and punished and need to be rescued
- kind of puts a crimp in the creation of the Eternal Ring plans
- mostly cos Mithos turns Kratos lifeless, with some armour to regulate his mana so he remains a seraph. can't have the seal becoming less powerful, yo
- it does mean he can only obey orders tho
- the first rescue fails miserably but at least no one dies and they know they need to reforge his key-crest
- the second rescue attempt (circumstances of canon-point under percolation) goes a little better, though Yuan almost gets killed by Kratos trying to attach the key-crest
- luckily that and the first telepathy in a while gets through and Kratos manages to break out a la Colette, and heal Yuan enough for Raine to get there
- after which, angreh father-son beatdown on Mithos.
scenarios
None yet.
confessed
- almost successful assassination lands Kratos as an injured stranger in Iselia (1-2 years pre-canon)
- recuperation leads to accidental-on-purpose 'holiday' in Iselia
- doubts result in a request for Dirk to make a key-crest like Kratos' own
- oracle room undergoes some stealth sabotage
- regeneration journey is slightly delayed, prompted by Genis and Lloyd being discovered at the ranch
- Triet is awkward. so very awkward. for the Renegades -- whose side is Kratos even on these days and why was he vanished for two years?
- initial overall journey similar to canon, save that Kratos is a bit less circumspect about advising Colette on how to cope with angel transformations
- there are more overt Dun Wanna Feelings
- then Luin, wherein things happen and the group is in town during the Desian attack. the others naturally want to fight but tis a mite difficult against an army and building-destroying magitech. luckily, angel on their side. unluckily, wingpulls in order to muster the power to cover the townspeoples' retreat
- questions and confessions ensue
- Colette rejects the key crest (for the moment) so there's still hopefully maybe ambiguity about Kratos's position re the last seal
- it wouldn't fit anyway, it's modelled for the hand like Kratos's is because he was a derp and did not specify otherwise, so Lloyd needs to make a thing to make it fit
- slow protective retreat toward Asgard.
scenarios
scenario one: Kratos confesses before Salvation; Raine wants to follow up.
scenario two: Raine's examination of an angel; and also Kratos realises how far he's put his foot in it.
scenario three: Kratos goes to taunt Yuan a little, and also ask for his help.
scenario four: in which Raine makes Kratos tell the children all the things, and Yuan takes too much amusement from it.
dadliness
- Kratos retires in Iselia under the name Irving to raise Lloyd after the death of his wife
- no exsphere. ageing occurs! so does a beard and a braid
- teaches Lloyd swordplay, but on the sly, to avoid the other villagers noticing. his daytime job is weaving
- Lloyd finds the box of their exspheres and wants details. after some prodding by Dirk, Kratos explains how exspheres are made and that one is Anna's life. Lloyd is too young yet, but when Lloyd comes of age (~15) Kratos lets him make his own decision re wearing it
- Lloyd chooses not to wear the exsphere
- Genis befriends Marble and Lloyd meets her, as in canon; this happens before the journey begins, with the fallout
- difference being that Colette is still in the village so they can't be too horrible, so they just demand Lloyd be turned over for a flogging
- Kratos stands in his stead because natch. luckily, they're only mooks and don't recognise the bearded weaver as anyone important
- gives Lloyd his guilt complex early tho
- the oracle happens much the same way except Botta doesn't quite recognise the weirdly familiar bearded swordsman
- he does when he's reporting to Yuan tho
'there was an exceptionally skilled human'
/brief physical description/
/did x other faintly recognizable thing/
and both he and Yuan are aware that Kratos has been awol for a while, so there's a moment of pure silence and dawning 'no, it couldn't be'
- but then obviously one of them has to go make sure
- cue an interruption just out of Triet.
scenarios
scenario one: Yuan feels the need to investigate; this results in Kratos injured and abducted.
scenario two: Yuan realises he can't kill Kratos with his own two hands; Kratos gets mothered.
scenario three: Kratos gets sick on the heels of his recovery. Yuan mothers him some more. Botta disapproves.
scenario four: Kratos recovers and makes an escape attempt. Sort-of.
scenario five: Kratos recovers more and talks to Botta, when not needling Yuan about his lack of preparedness.
scenario six: Sheena's contract takes a slight shift into undercover instead of assassination work.
future
- Aselia is Earth ~10,000 years in the past
- all is peachy-keen except the tree is now underground and the elvens/half-elves/some humans are in hiding in the centre of the planet, hidden thanks to the summon spirits
- Colette is working with humanitarian aid in various impoverished nations
- Zelos is a diplomat in West Asia / Middle East trying to keep the peace
- Yuan is a crotchety lecturer at Cambridge who's also HUGE into environmentalism
- Lloyd and Kratos are having family time in space
- occasionally the trio on Earth meet reincarnations of people they used to know
- but rarely at the same time and almost never in a position where they meet
- but then they start meeting them
- lots of them
- all in the same span of years
- they're starting to think something's hinky
- until the space-elves attack
- and then they know something is hinky.
scenarios
None yet.
grigori
- at some point significantly before canon, Kratos actually calls it quits
- the Church's institution calls him a fallen angel of vengeance
- really he's just going around trying to help people and avoiding being taken back to Cruxis
- assigns himself to the Chosen parties whenever he can, up to Colette
- ????? idk some kind of profit somewhere
scenarios
None yet.
mercenary
- when Yuan visits Kratos at the beach when Lloyd is 3 months old, he does not manage to escape before Anna and Lloyd return
- accidental attachment to this kidlet who likes pulling his hair
- three years later, Yuan can't stand to hold back while Kratos fights Kvar, so he throws caution to the wind to help
- Anna is still killed but they rescue Lloyd and Noishe and both are branded as traitors
- Lloyd is raised as a Renegade with Dad, Uncle Yuan and the extremely reticent Uncle Botta (how dare)
- meanwhile in Tethe'alla Yuan infiltrates the castle as the library archivist
- stays out of sight, mostly, but has a good ear around the politics thanks to recruiting Princess Hilda
- also happens to stumble on Zelos hiding in the library right after his mother's death
- look he's got a 'nephew' he can't just do nothing (even if all he meant was to recommend a book)
- unwittingly accidentally 'adopts' the Tethe'allan Chosen by virtue of being the only one who doesn't treat him like the Chosen
- sometimes Kratos brings Lloyd to visit and basically they're all separate pairs of exasperated bros
- by canon Lloyd and Kratos are wandering mercenaries, helping people on the sly while gathering intel to send back to the Renegades
- Yuan and Zelos are actively building resistance to the Church using inside knowledge
- the ninja are all Renegades
- Colette is escorted by Raine and by the priests
- yes the 'chain up the Chosen and drag her to every seal if necessary' priests
- she meets Lloyd randomly in Triet but Lloyd doesn't know her as the Chosen. they're a bit out of touch on the Journey of Regen timeline
- stuff happens and they keep missing each other up until Palmacosta, which is a warzone between the Desians (and Dorr as their figurehead) and the Renegades (with Neil as their leader)
- Colette wants to help; priests say no
- out come the chains
- Raine objects, but she has no exsphere so what can she do
- btw Genis got caught in the Iselian ranch and tossed in as a traitor to be made a host
- he gets sent to the Palmacosta ranch
- right after Neil manages to take the city, after Colette and Raine leave it, Botta takes the Palmacosta ranch and rescues Genis, among others
- Genis becomes his little shadow and is much preferable to Lloyd, in Botta's opinion
- Lloyd and Kratos are still trying to catch up to Colette to rescue her when they drop by
- Genis hears what they're trying to do and insists on coming along.
scenarios
scenario one: in which Yuan accidentally adopts a Chosen instead of a book from a library.
scenario two: in which Yuan is accidentally-deliberately adopted by the Meltokio Castle Knights.
MEover
- Mass Effect crossover someplace in the realm of 15,000 years after TOS canon
- except started before then, cos elves are really from Feros, planet of the cranky telepathic plant
- got decimated by the protheans trying to assimilate them into their empire
- elves objected, got killed a lot, fled Feros and got stuck in Aselia's orbit
- kinda forgot a few things but planted a seed from the Ferosian mother plant on Aselia
- Origin hasn't forgotten tho, kinda has a grudge against grumblegrumbleprotheansgrumble
- the entirety of TOS happened, and then some
- Kratos, Yuan, Lloyd, Colette and Zelos are the only ones left, but tis okay, they have each other
- somethingsomething natural space disaster, Aselia is destroyed but they manage to move Yggdrasill onto Derris-Kharlan and do a quarian by becoming a roaming ship
- mana is a variant of eezo lbr
- Derris-Kharlan's too big to use the mass relays, but c'mon it generates its own mass effect field so they develop tech to do hops on their own
- they're in no hurry tho, i mean lbr primarily angelic, elf and half-elf population
- so they're just bumming around their local clusters doing thorough investigations on all the things
- so much eezo on their ship
- so much
- suddenly the Normandy running from a reapers comes along to hide behind them
- reapers start shooting
- everyone on Derris-Kharlan objects
- JUDGEMENT IN SPACE
- so much profit and judging of reapers.
scenarios
None yet.
origin
- Kratos tells Lloyd the dad thing in Triet
- dad and son feelings ensue
- they culminate at the Tower of Salvation in Kratos stabbing Yggdrasill in the back
- unfortunately he does not quite die but impales Kratos against a wall and goes berserk on the Chosen party to the point of Yuan stepping in to help
- that is, by threatening to stab Kratos in the back while he's vulnerable (with Kratos's permission)
- Yggdrasill calls his bluff and fails, and Yuan does the thing
- while Yggdrasill is distracted the Chosen's group nail him but good and he retreats
- luckily while heart-stabbing happened, Kratos's cruxis crystal is still intact, and between Raine's healing and Yuan's mana transfusion he survives long enough to be taken to the Triet base and a refresher
- stuff happens in some fashion or other up until opening Origin's seal
- as it turns out, the mana tranfusion has fused the lock, so to speak, and Kratos can't unlock the seal even voluntarily
- only way to get Origin out at this point is to let him fuse with Kratos, so Kratos becomes Origin
- stipulation of this: Kratos refuses to let go of his humanity
- luckily Yuan already has a literal bond with him thanks to the mana transfusion, so with him as his summoner Kratos can keep his humanity, and only use Origin's powers when Yuan summons them
- commitment like woah for a literal eternity
- but hey, they messed up but good and it's the only way they can reunite the worlds.
scenarios
none yet.
reversal
~ 2000 years in, Kratos and Yuan conspire to kill Mithos and succeed, sorta
- he's stuck inside his exsphere, possessing people
- but he manages to survive and while Kratos and Yuan claim Derris-Kharlan for their base, he takes most of the angels as 'fallen', as well as the Eternal Sword
- most of his bases are hidden behind dimensional slips created by the sword - Iselia included
- Origin refuses to trust either Kratos or Yuan with the job, anyhow, and they don't have a summoner
- instead they're forced to fight Cruxis, embroiling the worlds in an angelic war between Cruxis and the new organisation of Chayim
- the Chosen bloodlines are more important to Cruxis than Chayim, but Mithos seals the seals so only the Chosen bloodline can flip the mana switch. Kratos and Yuan need someone to do that until they can reunite them, so the Journey remains an institution, just without compulsory death at the end
- there is angelification tho, if only so Chayim gets more soldiers and so the Chosen can defend themselves against Cruxis
- Kratos sends Anna and Lloyd to Iselia, because even though enemy territory, it's the safest place there is for them
- Anna get word to Kratos that the Desians are using Iselia as a long-term cruxis crystal cultivation location, and that the sword is held there
- her spy succeeds but is intercepted, and Mithos locks down the dimensional slip to prevent exit and access by angels for ~15 years
- Lloyd grows up in a town with a heavy half-elf population and believing he's training to help the good guys
- he has his own cruxis crystal as a host, but doesn't tell his mother due to the faith-based propaganda encouraging hosts not to bring it up or risk the powers not taking
- he wants to help though, so he steals a key-crest to ensure he can fight
- Yuan and Kratos plan to assault the town and shrine but Mithos uses the sword to interrupt travel between worlds, keeping Yuan in Tethe'alla and forcing Kratos to attack Iselia alone.
scenarios
scenario one: Iselia is attacked by Chayim to claim the sword, with the sword already gone
titans
- Yggdrasill captures Kratos before Kvar finds Anna and Lloyd, but after Kratos makes an Eternal Ring
- Yuan figures hell no and raises the Renegades to try and take Derris-Kharlan, rescue Kratos and solve the split-world problem
- the attack fails. a lot.
- Renegades are wiped out, Kratos is still in Cruxis's hands, but Yuan manages to escape with the Eternal Ring
- Cruxis follows him to Triet base, which gets destroyed and the few remaining Renegades scatter
- Botta is still around tho, helping out how he can
- mostly Yuan just goes searching for Lloyd and Anna
- doesn't manage to find them before Kvar does tho, and Kratos hears from Yggdrasill that they're dead
- this is slightly inaccurate, cos Lloyd still winds up rescued by Dirk in Iselia
- where Yuan eventually finds him, not knowing that he's 'supposed' to be dead
- so Yuan settles in Iselia for a bit to watch Lloyd and the Chosen
- cuts and dyes his hair, the whole shebang
- learns how to carpentry, invents a new use of magic
- winds up being Genis's role model just because scholar and magic-user and half-elf who can pass but also takes no shit from people
- is one of Colette's companions on the Journey when it starts
- he's been challenging their understanding of the Church's institution this whole time lbr
- Sheena is still a thing because the ninja have taken over the Tethe'allan base, which has survived, somewhat
- a grilling ensues
- sometime just after the Asgard Ranch Yuan does have to drop the bombshell
- about how the Journey is just a front, he and his bestie are angels, btw his bestie is Lloyd's dad
- how they're out to topple the institution of religion
- forget sacrificing Colette for the Regeneration, when they get to the seal they can do that without anyone dying
- and then move straight on to rescuing Kratos in Derris-Kharlan
- then they get to the Tower and realise Yggdrasill has Kratos under a Prometheusesque punishment a la 'impaled on the Eternal Sword to suffer the Seed's pain and watch the Chosen get murdered'
- luckily this does not happen, as they manage to rescue him and escape Yggdrasill instead, barely
- retreat to Botta's hiding-place in Asgard so Kratos can recover
- and also find out that Lloyd is actually alive
- the Chosen group goes around to make as many pacts as they can while in Sylvarant
- they get up to Aska when Yggdrasill sends his angels to attack Asgard
- cue Yuan and Kratos being unstoppable battle gods together
scenarios
scenario one: in which Yuan leads the Chosen's party to the Tower of Salvation to dismantle all the traditions ever, and find Kratos waiting for them in serious need of a rescue.
scenario two: in which being in safety reveals that Kratos is not precisely unscathed, but he's doing his best.
scenario three: in which Kratos is emphatically not okay, but with Yuan's help, could be.
no subject
To the left, then. That's sufficient.
[That's easy enough. But Yuan hesitates before going off, watching the way Kratos stares at the road, thinking that it really isn't the road he's staring at.]
[Of course it will be hard, for Kratos. Yuan didn't expect it to be easy. He'll do what he can. Yuan nods, and turns, and sets a pace that he knows from experience Kratos can match.]
Come on, then. If nothing else, perhaps I can find some objectionable fruit to distract you with.
[It's dry; but the quietness of it still means it's for Kratos, and Kratos alone. That's part of why Yuan is here with him, after all; not only because Kratos wouldn't be allowed unchaperoned.]
no subject
[It's very nearly an automatic response, even as Kratos matches Yuan's pace, a step behind and to the side. The pace is nearly reassuring; it's familiar, almost by now as familiar as the street down which they walk. His feet move without requiring attention, even while his gaze is caught by their surroundings, and his chest feels tight.
[The buildings show their damage, yet at the same time repairs are in progress; it's enough to add to the surreality, while being heartachingly familiar.
[... He should probably warn Yuan what's down this way.]
My -- the Aurion estate is this way.
no subject
There's nothing native to Tethe'alla you have such feelings for?
[That is: deep if perhaps slightly childish hatred. There are few better ready distractions. Yuan will have to make do.]
[...but it's no wonder, Kratos asked to be distracted if he discovered the worst, if they're heading for the place he called home. Yuan doesn't miss a step, only asks.]
Are you sure?
[Of course Kratos is sure of where they are. It isn't that. Is he sure he wants to go straight for what's likely to be the worst?]
no subject
[Flowers are no longer in abundance. There should be flowers.]
Not knowing will be worse. And waiting will only mean there's nothing with which to distract myself later.
[No; best to tear the bandage off, as it were. They pass by a house Kratos remembers used to sell pastries from their window; it's shuttered and empty, decrepit. Another, a ways down, sold bread -- and still does, judging by the smell wafting toward them which twists Kratos's stomach with its jarringness. Without meaning to, he speaks, nodding toward the first building.]
There used to be a family here who sold pastries. They were in friendly competition with the family just down the way, with the baked goods. They used to hold unplanned eating contests, dragging any soldier fresh from the field off the street to 'judge' the merits of their goods. No one ever left hungry.
no subject
[Vanaheim is not what it was. It can't be.]
[He can't tell, either, what's driving Kratos to speak. Perhaps it's only the need for distraction? Yuan tilts his head slightly, considering the difference now. It's stark; and sadder, for knowing.]
The sort of thing that there's never any point to winning, hm?
[He keeps on his way, but his ears are sharp for any hint of a hitch in Kratos's pace, some pause or stumble that will say things are no longer bearable.]
no subject
[That was the point of it all, to honour a soldier new back home, to gift them nice things from the city they defended. It had been Kratos, once. They pass the buildings, and the girl behind the window is flat faced with hard eyes, watching the passing Sylvaranti soldiers.
[She catches Kratos's gaze and her eyes widen; Kratos looks away, keeping his head down, and follows quietly after Yuan.]
I should have mentioned ... I will likely be recognised.
no subject
[A foolish question. Yuan thinks nothing of the girl's look, save that she is Tethe'allan, until Kratos mentions something. But-- no, it makes sense.]
[There are a few ways that recognition could go. Some might be pleased to see him. Some might call him a traitor, especially if they can't read Kratos's attire and hair to know he's a slave.]
Are you likely to need defense?
[Kratos knows his people best.]
no subject
[His people are more disciplined than to react unduly toward Sylvaranti. Proud, yes, too proud to bend; but too disciplined to act out of turn. They would bide their time instead. Even still, he can feel the girl's gaze on his back as they walk.
[And there are other looks also, now that they're far enough away from the guardhouse to be passing the average Tethe'allan citizen in the street -- the ones who keep the city running on behalf of their conquerors. The ones who know how to recognise an Aurion. He's cognizant of whispers, and keeps his head bowed so he doesn't risk seeing them past his bangs.
[But he talks, voice kept low, pointing out landmarks both there and not there. A playhouse. A potter who used to let children play with clay -- still does. The florist who last one the festival prize, now shuttered.]
no subject
[And Yuan does not miss the whispers.]
[But he looks where Kratos points him, notes how the city was built, what's here and what isn't. When it seems appropriate he asks quiet, prompting questions, just to keep Kratos talking. Nothing Yuan's learning is really of strategic or tactical value; it's about the city, and the soul that was in it, and perhaps still is somewhere.]
[He wonders if he'll know the Aurion estate when he sees it. Surely the building wont' have the same unmanageable hair. ...what happened to the Aurions who weren't soldiers, yet?]
[The only pause or interjection is when they come to crossroads or turns.]
Which way?
[And apart from that Yuan lets Kratos take the lead; as much, that is, as someone a pace behind him can. The exploration, such as it is, should be on Kratos's terms.]
no subject
[And whispering. always whispering.
[It was too much to ask that someone might not approach.]
Master Kratos?
[The voice belongs to a man with a satchel under his arm, approaching uncertain, and casting wary glances at Yuan. Kratos knows him. He was one of the household servants. Kratos doesn't dare stop before Yuan, doesn't dare show any sign that he might not be properly subjugated. Not with Sylvaranti in the streets as well as Tethe'allans, and liable to look over for curiosity.
[It doesn't seem to matter. Aelius keeps pace for a few steps, until he's acknowledged, his tone firmer.]
Master Kratos.
no subject
[Yuan refuses to waste any more time wondering or wishing if things could have been different. It's utterly pointless.]
[And then-- and then there's someone approaching, asking for Kratos. Yuan hesitates. After a moment stops entirely, eying the man thoughtfully. Unarmed; familiarity with Kratos and term of address point to a relationship with some respect, maintained even now. Perhaps he doesn't entirely know what it means, that Kratos is here and wearing the braid and bracers that he does, and only looks to Yuan as a Sylvaranti officer to be wary of.]
Kratos?
[Permission and inquiry all in one. Yuan slants his gaze between the two of them, watching the dynamic.]
Who are you?
no subject
Who are you?
[It's not precisely insolent, so much as direct; but there is still a marked lack of titles, there. Kratos speaks, soft and trying to attract too much attention, keeping half an eye on the other Sylvaranti in the vicinity. His head isn't as low as it would be, in Nidavellir; but for Vanaheim, it's inescapably submissive.]
This is Commander Yuan Ka-Fai. Master Ka-Fai -- this is Aelius. He was a member of the household staff.
[Aelius's expression becomes fixed. Low:]
Master?
[Aelius's weight shifts to do something no-doubt ill-advised, and Kratos snags his sleeve.]
Aelius. Don't.
no subject
[But Kratos cuts that short. Good. Yuan doesn't relax, eying Aelius for more indication of his intent.]
...however you're feeling, attacking a Sylvaranti officer in the streets won't end well.
[Warning. Probably sharper than it needs to be.]
Kratos. Why don't you take a moment? We're not in any rush.
[He's making some effort to tread the line between ordering and suggesting, since it will mean different things to everyone around them.]
no subject
[This is murmured without releases Kratos's grip on Aelius's sleeve and it makes Aelius glance between them with a combination of denial and frustration, and wariness. He may also use a title, for Kratos; but there's linguistic differences, connotations. The word he uses is social respect, not ownership.]
So it is true, then. You're --
[The look Aelius casts Yuan is full of loathing.]
-- and to him.
[Yes, Aelius knows who he is. Kratos speaks quietly, still without lifting his chin too high; but his voice has a note of authority in it which makes some of Aelius's prickles subside, even if his tension doesn't.]
Don't judge him too harshly, Aelius. He saved my life.
no subject
[Yuan wonders why he'd expect anything less than loathing, really. More than likely he's simply spent too much time around Kratos, whose tolerance is inhuman and must be seen to be believed. It doesn't sting, anyway; he's long past waiting for the good regard of strangers. He folds his arms looks away from the pair of them, waiting for whatever they need to talk about, though he still listens.]
[Watching is saved for the street around them, and the regard of other Tethe'allans. Yuan could do with less of that, really.]
no subject
[Aelius shakes his head and doesn't finish. Instead he turns his gaze more properly on Kratos, glancing down to the brace on his leg. When he looks up, he's biting his lip.]
Master Kratos ...
Did my siblings get out?
[It's a soft question, seeing as Aelius seems to be having difficulty getting out what he's not saying. Aelius's face tightens and he glances at Yuan, then shakes his head.]
I don't know. I was across the city when the walls were breached. By the time I got back -- Master Kratos -- the villa's gone.
[It feels as though all the breath has left him, though Kratos doesn't sway; but his grip loosens, and then it's Aelius who's holding his arm instead.]
no subject
[But Aelius has him. Yuan stops half-turned. Recalls himself.]
[Wonders if there's some way he can find out about Kratos's siblings.]
...do you still want to go and see, if that's the case?
[Low, so no one too near hears the novelty of a Sylvaranti commander inquiring what his slave wants.]
no subject
Yes.
[He knows it's possibly not wise, and yet -- he can't bear the thought of turning his eyes away now. He hadn't been able to stand for Nike. He can do this. Kratos turns his gaze back to Aelius, returning the grip loosely around Aelius's wrist.]
Aelius. Don't do anything rash. Be patient. Survive for yourself. That's your duty now, understand?
[Aelius's jaw sets.]
With all due respect, Master Kratos -- my duty is, has been and always will be to the Aurion household, no matter how scattered it might be currently.
no subject
My household can't support another right now.
[As though the Tethe'allan would do anything like that willingly. Yuan shakes his head.]
If you're intent to serve, you might start by trying to find out what did happen to his siblings.
[This isn't his conversation. But really-- what does the man think he's going to do? At least the other Aurions, Aelius might be able to help, and knowing for sure would give Kratos some peace of mind.]
no subject
I don't need to be lectured on my duty by a Sylvaranti murderer.
Aelius.
[Kratos's tone is more warning this time; but though Aelius's bristling subsides, his glare does not. He speaks then in a Tethe'allan tongue; one which, Kratos reflects ruefully, he would not realise Kratos has taught Yuan in exchange for the Sylvaranti languages.]
Master Bia is northward; I do know that. And we sometimes get -- messages.
[Messages it's clear he shouldn't talk about in a public street, even in another language, judging by the flicker in his gaze.]
I'm trying to find out; but, Master Kratos --
[He stops, frustration on his face. Kratos finishes for him, squeezing his arm gently.]
How would you be able to get such updates to me? I know. Don't worry about it. At least you'll be able to tell them I'm alive.
[Provided they are also. It's a thought he buries deep, and yet not deep enough to keep his gut from tightening.]
no subject
[Temper. Yuan breathes out annoyance, and turns away again. Over his shoulder:]
Whenever you're ready.
[He opts not to let on that he does understand what's going on in that conversation. That's a card best kept close to his chest for the moment. Yuan's made something of an effort; that's enough. He'll look into Kratos's family on his own recognizance, since he can actually talk to Kratos himself.]
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[Aelius's gaze flickers once more to Yuan, his mouth turning down.]
But you and I both know you're made for something better than -- than to be enslaved to some Sylvaranti officer. Especially the one who's made your life so difficult.
[Kratos moved his hand to Aelius's shoulder, mustering something warmer in his expression and the faint smile, though he doesn't feel it.]
Don't you know me, Aelius? I thrive on difficulties.
[Aelius's laugh is startled and short, but he squeezes Kratos's wrist in turn.]
Please be well, Master Kratos. And -- if you have a chance -- or want to know more -- please come find me.
[He gives Kratos his address, throws one final scathing look Yuan's way, and then finally turns to stride away, not looking back. Kratos, for his part, moves to stand quietly by Yuan's elbow, breathing subtly through the nerves trying to rise up in him again.]
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[He does not expect gratitude. In fact, he should probably prepare for any of Kratos's remaining family to assume the same things some Sylvaranti do about their relationship. Unfortunate, but better braced for now.]
[When Kratos is at his elbow again Yuan gives it a moment, taking a breath, and flicks his gaze over his shoulder to ensure Kratos is there, and in an acceptable state. With a short nod, he begins to walk again, the direction they were initially heading.]
Is he referring to the number of times I tried to kill you on the battlefield, or something more?
[They're soldiers. Yuan's fixation was within those grounds. ...Really.]
[Low:]
Do you want to find him, later? There isn't all that much time, and I couldn't let you go alone, but it would be possible.
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[There are stories about the Sylvaranti propensity to slavery, but Kratos also knows that, lamed or not, the people here will find it difficult to imagine an Aurion so victimised. Some might default there, some even with delight; but not Aelius.]
The household staff took it -- personally, whenever I came home with a new scar.
[Kratos considers the offer, keeping pace a step behind Yuan and to the side -- his usual place.]
I don't know.
[It might be awkward, and Kratos isn't all that sure what he would say. It might just be painful.]
Perhaps.
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[It doesn't even things out, that they are where they are now. Yuan bites his tongue, and says nothing, only keeps walking. After a moment:]
Inform me if that changes. This way?
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finis